15
1745. 'Penal Cross'.
Estimate:
€1,000 - €1,500
Sold
€1,800
Timed Auction
The Eclectic Collector
Size
9 by 1.50 by 0.50in. (22.9 by 3.8 by 1.3cm)
Description
Description: With usual carvings - 'INRI', ladder, spear, skull, bones, cockerel and pot; reverse 'IHS', '1745'.
Note: National Museum of Ireland: "It has been argued that the crosses, through similarities in style and technique, have a single origin. They were likely carved and sold in the vicinity of Lough Derg, Co. Donegal to those undertaking the pilgrimage to Station Island. The dates carved onto the crosses recorded the year a pilgrimage was undertaken. Similarities can be seen in the inscriptions. On the obverse (front face), INRI (Latin: Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum / English: Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews) and on the reverse is normally found the monogram IHS (an abbreviation of the name ??S??S (Jesus) from Greek). They also have in common certain symbols – although these are not always present in every instance. Amongst these can be seen the pincers, hammer, dice, ladder, spear, cock-in-a-pot, scourges and three nails."
Note: National Museum of Ireland: "It has been argued that the crosses, through similarities in style and technique, have a single origin. They were likely carved and sold in the vicinity of Lough Derg, Co. Donegal to those undertaking the pilgrimage to Station Island. The dates carved onto the crosses recorded the year a pilgrimage was undertaken. Similarities can be seen in the inscriptions. On the obverse (front face), INRI (Latin: Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum / English: Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews) and on the reverse is normally found the monogram IHS (an abbreviation of the name ??S??S (Jesus) from Greek). They also have in common certain symbols – although these are not always present in every instance. Amongst these can be seen the pincers, hammer, dice, ladder, spear, cock-in-a-pot, scourges and three nails."
Condition
Very good, some wear.
